‘I couldn’t have asked for a better little brother’: Sister's tribute to Limerick hit-and-run victim

THE MAN charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Rory O’Connor is due to appear in court again this Thursday - the same day the beloved Athea teenager will be laid to rest.

Alan Browne, of Elmsdale Crescent, Birmingham, UK but who is originally from Skehenerin, Listowel appeared before Cork District Court on Monday. Mr Browne faces four charges arising from the fatal hit-and-run collision on the N69 Dromin Upper, in Listowel.

Rory was struck by a van shortly after 3am on Saturday. The Leader understands Rory was walking on the footpath with a friend after attending the Listowel Races earlier in the day and celebrating his 17th birthday.

Rory’s friend did everything he could to come to his aid, including flagging down cars. Tragically, Rory was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His untimely death has plunged his family, friends, school and communities across west Limerick into untold grief.

The son of Mary and Pat has three siblings - Becky, Dwayne and Brian. “Love you always,” wrote dad Pat on social media while sister Becky also shared an emotional post online.

“I couldn't have asked for a better little brother, you were one in a million,” she wrote.

Becky said Rory was the most caring person she has ever met.

“I'm going to miss you so much - you have no idea the impact you had on everyone's life, especially mine. Growing up with you is something I will cherish for life. I will talk about the person you were forever. It was never meant to end like this,” wrote Becky.

Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale, where Rory was a popular fifth-year student, opened on Sunday to support students.

Principal Liam Murphy, in a statement, said it is with great sadness that they learned of the death of Rory.

“He was a warm, kind and positive presence during his time in our school. He was a cherished and valued student who will be deeply missed by the entire school community and his wide circle of friends. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Rory’s family and friends at this difficult time,” said Mr Murphy.

The school’s Critical Incident Management Team is co-ordinating the school response. School management, student support team, guidance counselling, pastoral care team along with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) have been in the school to offer support to all students.

“We are working with all the relevant agencies. The care and support of all our school community remains as always our utmost priority,” said Mr Murphy.

Athea Community Council led tributes, sharing a touching memory of Rory reading a poem at the retirement event for their local doctor, Dr Kieran Murphy. “It was a lovely act of kindness and community spirit that has stayed with us,” they wrote.

Friends have shared photos of happy memories with Rory. He loved hurling and supported his friends at Limerick minor matches on their journey to All-Ireland success. Local politicians, Minister of State Niall Collins and councillors – Liam Galvin and Francis Foley – have also expressed their condolences.

Rory is very sadly missed by his heartbroken mother, Mary Herbert and his heartbroken father Pat O'Connor and partner Natasha, along with his sister Becky and brothers Dwayne and Brian, grandmother Mary Ann Herbert, uncles Connie, Seamus and partner Maura, Sean, TJ and partner Marie, aunts Julie, Lorraine and husband Gary, Caroline and husband Michael, cousins Emma, Conor, Megan, Rachel, Emily, Jack, Holly, Jayden, Vayda, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Rory reposed in St Bartholomew's Church, Athea this Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm with Requiem Mass at 11am on Thursday. Internment afterward at Holycross Cemetery, Athea. May he rest in peace.